In a key pledge ahead of Australia's upcoming general election on May 3, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a A$2.3 billion initiative aimed at helping households purchase batteries to store solar energy, a move he says will cut energy costs and accelerate clean energy adoption.

Albanese, leader of the center-left Labor Party, stated the scheme would help Australian homeowners reduce the cost of installing a battery system by approximately A$4,000, or around 30% of the typical price. These batteries would enable homes to store energy collected by rooftop solar panels during the day and use it later when needed—especially during peak evening hours.

While Australia has seen a rooftop solar boom—one in three households is now equipped with solar panels—battery adoption has lagged significantly, with only one in 40 homes having an energy storage system. The new funding aims to close that gap and make solar energy more accessible and practical for everyday Australians.

However, the announcement has drawn criticism from the opposition. Nationals leader David Littleproud argued the measure excludes renters, pensioners, and lower-income families, saying it benefits only a narrow group of homeowners. He pointed out that the Labor plan offers little relief to those most vulnerable to rising energy prices.

The opposition, led by Liberal-National Coalition chief Peter Dutton, has taken a different approach—proposing to force liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters on the east coast to redirect 10% to 20% of their product to the domestic market. In the long run, Dutton’s coalition is advocating for nuclear energy as a national solution to high energy costs and climate challenges

With Albanese and Dutton now running neck-and-neck in the polls, the debate over energy affordability and sustainability has become a central issue. Once enjoying a clear lead, Albanese now faces a much tighter race, with his personal approval ratings nearly equal to Dutton’s, adding intensity to every policy proposal as election day approaches.